Annual Giving

The University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics is committed to both academic and athletic excellence. Our bold vision would not be possible without the generous annual contributions of UCATS donors who understand the critical role of private support. Below are various annual giving opportunities.

 

NEXT LEVEL SUCCESS FUND

The Next Level Success Fund was established in 2020 to provide UC Athletics the resources necessary to achieve next level success. In spring 2020, that focus became working through the unprecedented challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial funds raised were used to support emergency medical insurance costs, nutritional resources, and COVID-19 testing. A full year into the pandemic, the Next Level Success Fund's goal now shifts towards continuing to provide an outstanding student-athlete experience through a focus on mental health. 
Future monies raised will go towards funding the strengthening and sustaining of the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our young people by continuing and enhancing initiatives which are already underway within the department.  

UCATS GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Unrestricted gifts are the most critical and help fuel Bearcats Athletics by providing the necessary funds for scholarships for over 500 student-athletes, which costs nearly $8 million on an annual basis.

PRIORITY SEATING FUNDS

 

All per-seat payments made to acquire priority season tickets in Nippert Stadium or Fifth Third Arena support scholarships for Bearcats student-athletes.
 

 

REMINDER

 

  • The 80-percent deduction for priority seating gifts (i.e. ticket-related giving) has been eliminated. Therefore, annual per-seat donations required for season tickets are no longer considered a charitable gift. This includes ALL season tickets for Football and Men's Basketball, including premium seating.
  • ALL priority seating gifts are no longer eligible for charitable matching gift programs.
  • Donor-advised funds, charitable gift funds and payments from IRAs or private foundations cannot be used to pay for priority seating gifts. However, they can support any 100% deductible fund.

 


For more information on priority seating, please view the Tickets & Parking tab or call the UCATS Office at 513-556-4884.

 

WOMEN'S EXCELLENCE FUND

 

This fund supports all Women's Programs and ensures the advancement of our female student-athletes and their sport initiatives. Distributions from the Women's Excellence Fund are determined by the Director of Athletics and the Senior Women's Administrator.

 

SPORT-SPECIFIC FUNDRAISING

 

Donors who wish to make a contribution to a specific sport or service area may do so through the following Excellence Funds as well:

 

  • Baseball
  • Men's Basketball
  • Women's Basketball
  • Men's Cross Country/Track & Field
  • Women's Cross Country/Track & Field                                                                                     
  • Football
  • Men's Golf
  • Women's Golf
  • Lacrosse
  • Women's Soccer
  • Men's Swimming & Diving
  • Women's Swimming & Diving
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball
  • Bearcats Mascot
  • C-Club
  • Cheerleading
  • Dance
  • Forever Bearcats